Chapter 16 Arrival in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
Chapter 16
Zhao Yueru didn't know why, but upon hearing these words, she felt like crying, and her voice trembled with emotion as she asked, "Yingying, do you want to?"
"What?"
Do you want to move in with your childhood sweetheart?
Under the bedroom light, Zhao Yueru, dressed in her pajamas, asked this question with a face full of heartache.
Meng Yingying paused, her hands gripping the corner of the blanket until her knuckles turned white. She said softly, "Yueru, many things in this world are not a matter of whether we want to or not, but whether we do them or not. It's already good enough to have a choice."
She turned her head and gazed at Zhao Yueru, who was snuggled in the same bed with her. "We're doing great now, aren't we?"
She was speaking to herself, and also to Zhao Yueru.
“We didn’t run out of ammunition or food, nor did we reach a dead end. On the contrary,” she smiled, her eyes shining, “my father loved me and had already planned a way for me to survive before he passed away.”
"Similarly, your parents love you and have given you a way out."
"Moonlight".
Meng Yingying raised her hand and gently put her arm around Zhao Yueru's shoulder, murmuring softly, "They've already paved the way for us; now it's up to us to decide how to proceed."
"If you walk well, then this road will be good."
"So, let's both try our best to walk this path well, okay?"
When Meng Yingying put her arm around Zhao Yueru like that, her heart started pounding. She didn't even hear what Meng Yingying was saying before she subconsciously nodded.
"good."
"May we all rest in peace."
As she said this, she couldn't help but reach out and hug Meng Yingying. This hug brought her into contact with Meng Yingying's delicate and soft skin, like tender tofu. She couldn't help but touch it, and then touch it again.
He exclaimed in shock, "Yingying, I think you look so much prettier after you lost weight!"
She had long eyelashes, her eyes were sparkling and watery, and her chin was pointed. Her small face was truly beautiful.
Even the arms that were wrapped around her shoulders were snow-white; it was hard to imagine how good those arms must feel.
Meng Yingying sighed, raised her hand and flicked her head, "I'm talking to you about something serious."
Zhao Yue nodded like a chick pecking at rice, "I know."
She held it tightly, reluctant to let go, as if making a wish, "I wish we could be together forever."
Why get married?
No man is as reliable as Yingying.
Meng Yingying smiled, her face as smooth and white as milk. "Nonsense, if that were true, your parents and my dad would be worried sick."
It was only after she said it that she realized she didn't have a father anymore.
Even if she and Yue Ru never got married, they could still live out their lives supporting and helping each other.
Her father will never say another word to her again.
Thinking of this, Meng Yingying felt a little downcast. Zhao Yueru noticed something and patted Meng Yingying on the back, "Yingying, you said you should look forward."
She flashed a pair of cute little tiger teeth, her usually fiery personality softening considerably. "We'll both have a bright future, won't we?"
Meng Yingying couldn't help but smile, and she nodded emphatically.
"Yueru, thank you."
Without Zhao Yueru, she wouldn't have made it this far.
That night, neither of them wanted to sleep, and they chatted all night until dawn, when they finally fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning.
The Zhao family began packing up their belongings, most of which were confiscated, while a small portion was kept by Zhao's father and mother.
Meng Yingying was a guest of the Zhao family, so she escaped the inspection. While Zhao Yueru was still sleeping, Meng Yingying went to the toilet, and Zhao's mother secretly followed her in.
Meng Yingying was still a little surprised. Zhao's mother gently shook her head at her, pointed to the door, and shushed her.
Immediately, he took out two small yellow croakers from his bra and handed them to her.
Meng Yingying understood instantly, and she subconsciously waved her hand in refusal, trying to push it back.
Zhao's mother was very direct. She simply pulled open Meng Yingying's top, unbuttoned two buttons, and threw them into her bra.
Unexpectedly, upon opening the package, all I saw was a snow-white expanse, as tender as tofu and incredibly delicate.
What's even more eye-catching is the deep cleavage hidden under her clothes. Zhao's mother was stunned for a moment, "I didn't realize, Yingying, you have quite the assets."
Meng Yingying's face flushed red instantly, and she stammered like a mosquito, "Auntie."
Zhao's mother smiled, knowing that she was shy, and didn't say anything more. Instead, she stuffed the two small yellow croakers in a little more, and found that even with two in, there was still a shallow space.
She thought for a moment, then added another one.
Three small yellow croakers perfectly sealed her deep ditch, fitting together seamlessly.
Meng Yingying's face was already flushed red, but she couldn't speak, for fear of disturbing the people outside.
Don't create unnecessary trouble.
After Zhao's mother finished dressing her, she buttoned up the front of her clothes and sighed, "With a figure like yours, I wonder which man will end up with you."
She's a woman, and someone who's been through it all.
Looking at Meng Yingying's fair and plump breasts, he couldn't help but be mesmerized.
What if it were a man?
Meng Yingying's face burned like fire after being teased.
"Alright, alright, I know you young people are easily embarrassed, I won't tease you anymore."
Zhao's mother smiled, took Meng Yingying's hand, and followed her out the door. "Yingying, Auntie hopes you will have a good future."
"Just like my Yue Ru, may your life be smooth sailing, free from illness, disaster, and pain."
This is the most sincere expectation and blessing an elder has for a younger generation.
Meng Yingying's eyes immediately reddened. "Auntie, you and Uncle must take good care of yourselves too."
Zhao's mother nodded, "We'll try our best."
"Has the location for the reassignment been decided?"
Meng Yingying asked in a low voice, and Zhao's mother shook her head, "They say it's in the north, but we don't know exactly where it is. We're just waiting for the punishment from above."
She escorted her out of the restroom.
"Let Yue Ru take you to the station."
This was said to the guards nearby.
The other party frowned, and Meng Yingying took the initiative to say, "Comrade, I'm going to the garrison to meet my childhood sweetheart."
"This is my travel document and letter of introduction."
She handed over the certificate, and after the other party looked at it and checked it again, confirming that there was nothing smuggled in, they released Meng Yingying.
Meng Yingying breathed a slight sigh of relief. She was glad that the guard was a male comrade, so when he checked her upper body, he only touched her clothes lightly and then moved on.
Not to mention, getting a breast exam.
It can only be said that experience counts; if Zhao's mother hadn't placed that little yellow croaker on her chest, she probably wouldn't have been able to bring it out today.
After Meng Yingying finished her check-up, it was Zhao Yueru's turn. Zhao Yueru also stood up and casually stretched out her hand, saying, "You can check me then. I'm taking my friend to the station and I'll be back soon."
After an inspection confirmed that no smuggling had occurred, Zhao Yueru was released.
As she left the villa, Zhao Yueru glanced back at the beautiful house and murmured, "Yingying, this will no longer be my home."
She was born and raised in the small Western-style house. Everyone thought she would get married in the same house, but that day never came.
Their whole family was about to be evicted from the small Western-style house.
Meng Yingying stood at the corner of the wall and looked up. She comforted her, "Yueru, you will come back in the future."
Once this turmoil is over, they will all return to their original social classes.
The premise is that they can survive.
Zhao Yueru took Meng Yingying's words as just a way of comforting herself, and she forced a smile.
The two of them were speechless for a moment.
More often than not, people don't know how to start a conversation. They have so much to say, but it's time to say goodbye.
Upon arriving at the station, Zhao Yueru accompanied Meng Yingying to buy train tickets from Xiangshi to Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, which were quite expensive.
A seat costs thirty-six yuan.
That's equivalent to a month's salary for an average person. When Meng Baichuan left, he left Meng Yingying with just over four hundred yuan.
That used up all the spare change in one go.
Even Meng Yingying felt a pang of regret. Zhao Yueru noticed something and whispered, "Don't worry about the money, I have it."
Meng Yingying looked over in surprise. Zhao Yueru pulled Meng Yingying to the toilet and, following the same method, pulled out a roll of 100-yuan bills from her chest.
There are about a dozen of them.
Zhao Yueru stuffed all of it into Meng Yingying's hands in one go, saying, "It's my secret stash of money."
"It was hidden at the foot of my bed; I took it out secretly."
Meng Yingying refused, saying, "Keep it for yourself. If your uncle and aunt go to the countryside, and you go to Mengjiatun, there will be places where you'll need money."
"I have."
"I have quite a lot of hidden money, this is just a part of it." Zhao Yueru didn't hide it either, "My parents have some too, like a cunning rabbit with multiple burrows."
“Yingying, believe me, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. These past few years have been tough, but my parents have been prepared. Even if we are sent down to the countryside, we will still have some assets.”
It's best not to see Meng Yingying.
Zhao Yueru became anxious and stamped her foot, "Keep it. Don't think I'm making it sound so easy. If my parents are really sent to the countryside, they won't dare to use the money even if they have it."
"Yingying, if you do well in the future, you can go outside and buy things to visit them."
"This is more useful than money."
Seeing the people coming and going in the restroom outside, Meng Yingying didn't say much. She just took Zhao Yueru's hand and touched her chest.
Before Zhao Yueru could react, she touched something soft, and her face immediately turned red. Then she realized something was wrong.
Yingying's breasts are so soft.
Why is it still rock hard?
"Given to me by my mom?"
Zhao Yueru understood instantly.
Meng Yingying was somewhat surprised; she didn't know. "Yes, three."
Zhao Yueru noticed her confusion. "There are people listening in on my conversations with my mom, so she never told me."
"This thing is hard currency, so don't use it unless absolutely necessary."
"Use the secret stash of money I gave you first."
"Keep these two hundred safe, just in case," Zhao Yueru gritted her teeth, "if your childhood sweetheart treats you badly, you'll have some travel expenses to get back."
They won't be completely isolated and helpless.
These are true friends.
She was constantly worried about Meng Yingying's future.
In the gentle April breeze, Meng Yingying stood at the bustling station entrance, unable to speak, her throat feeling as if it were stuffed with cotton. After a long while, she said in a nasal voice, "Yueru, thank you."
Zhao Yueru waved her hand dismissively, "We don't talk about this between us." She whispered, "Now I'm like a rat crossing the street, everyone wants to kill me, no one dares to take me in, but you still took me in, didn't you?"
"Let me stay at your house."
Zhao Yueru knew the significance of that house to Meng Yingying; it was the home Meng Baichuan had left her. Despite being pressured by Meng's uncle so many times to protect it, Meng Yingying never compromised.
"You're so good to me," she laughed carefree, "so I'll be good to you too."
This is the most fundamental thing.
The two of them exchanged sincerity for sincerity.
Meng Yingying looked at her with a smile, "Silly girl."
What an idiot.
Zhao Yueru retorted confidently, "You're an idiot too."
"We're all fools!"
Hearing this, Meng Yingying couldn't help but chuckle, her pale face glowing. "Alright, Yue Ru, I'm going in now."
Zhao Yueru: "I'll take you to the platform."
"I watched you get on the car."
"Yingying, don't reject me."
After traveling to all corners of the country, no one knows whether they will ever meet again.
Meng Yingying understood what she meant, so she let her see her off until they reached the platform, where the train conductor wouldn't let the person seeing her off go any further.
Meng Yingying turned around, took Zhao Yueru's hand, and said softly, "This is where we are."
"I'll write to you when I get to Heilongjiang Province."
Zhao Yueru immediately shook her head like a rattle drum, "Why write a letter? Writing letters is too slow. Just call me. Call me as soon as you're settled. You know the phone number for the Mengjiatun brigade headquarters."
Meng Yingying thought about it and agreed.
She looked at Zhao Yueru, and Zhao Yueru looked at her.
Their eyes met.
At that moment, even with a thousand words to say, she couldn't utter a single one. Meng Yingying could only step forward and hug her, whispering, "Wait until I'm settled, Yue Ru."
"If I can settle down in Heilongjiang Province, I'll invite you to come over for a visit, or I'll come back to see you."
Zhao Yueru nodded, "Me too."
"Yingying, if I could marry Zhou Jingsong, I would also find a way to visit you."
Upon hearing this, both of them had tears in their eyes.
No matter how reluctant she was, they still had to part ways. When the train made a piercing sound, Meng Yingying knew it was time for her to leave.
She boarded the bus with her bag, found her seat, and sat by the window. She waved to Zhao Yueru outside, "Yueru, goodbye."
I hope they will have the chance to meet again.
Zhao Yueru ran towards the train with tears streaming down her face, "Yingying, take good care of yourself in Heilongjiang Province."
"Don't worry about not having enough money. If you do, just ask me."
Although her family had fallen on hard times, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse; they could scrape together enough for Yingying to live on.
Zhao Yueru even thought that if her family hadn't fallen on hard times, Yingying wouldn't have had to travel thousands of miles to seek refuge with her childhood sweetheart whom she had never met.
She can afford to support Yingying.
But.
There are no buts.
Zhao Yueru could only watch helplessly as her best friend embarked on a train journey to seek refuge with a man she had never met before.
Just like her.
They also desperately tried to hold onto Zhou Jingsong.
Go and forge a different path for yourself and your parents.
On the train, Meng Yingying watched Zhao Yueru's figure gradually shrink until it disappeared completely.
She clutched the pocket watch tightly in her hand and murmured, "Yueru, see you next time."
*
At the Heilongjiang Provincial Railway Station, Qi Donghan finally arrived at his destination after a three-day train journey. Carrying his luggage in one hand, he walked into the crowded throng.
Wherever he went, everyone carefully made way for him.
Qi Donghan is a man whose name truly reflects his character; he looks extremely fierce and powerful, with hormones surging everywhere.
It's hard to ignore.
So much so that the guards who were waiting for him outside, who were still anxiously searching, saw him the moment Qi Donghan stepped off the train and waved, "Commander Qi?"
Qi Donghan nodded, his movements carrying a sharp, breezy air. "What's wrong with Qi Changming?"
So much so that even the enormous backpack seemed tiny in comparison to him.
The guard shook his head and then nodded. "Commander Qi, you'll only know this when you get back."
Upon hearing this, Qi Donghan knew things were complicated. He bent down to get into the car without saying a word.
As the guard drove, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Qi Donghan's cold and imposing face in the rearview mirror, and couldn't help but silently mourn for Qi Changming for a few minutes.
He sighed, "Company Commander Qi, of all people to mess with, you had to go and provoke Regiment Commander Qi."
Stationed at the base.
Qi Changming's discharge report has been held up for three days. He is afraid that Qi Donghan will not approve his discharge report when he returns.
I've been as anxious as an ant on a hot pan these past few days.
"Political Commissar, my discharge report meets all the requirements, so why won't the garrison approve it?"
Clearly, Qi Changming had been forced into a corner and had no choice but to muster up the courage to ask the political commissar for clarification.
Political Commissar Xiao glanced at him and spoke in an official tone, "Xiao Qi, your direct superior is Regiment Commander Qi. Even if you want to retire, you should go to Regiment Commander Qi."
The implication is that we don't care about your discharge report.
Upon hearing this, Qi Changming's face turned pale. "Political Commissar, you know why I'm leaving the army. If my superior finds out, he definitely won't agree."
Political Commissar Xiao took a sip of hot water from his enamel mug before slowly saying, "Yes, Xiao Qi, you know your boss definitely won't approve your discharge application, so why are you making things difficult for me?"
"Everyone knows that Commander Qi has a temper; you can't mess with him."
"If I approve your discharge application, what if Commander Qi throws a tantrum and comes after me later? What am I supposed to do?"
Listen to this scoundrel's words.
"Xiao Qi, you can't expect me to face Commander Qi's volcano head-on, can you?"
"That's not very kind of you."
Look! Even his refusal doesn't make anyone unhappy. That's why Political Commissar Xiao has such high emotional intelligence, like a cunning old fox.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Qi Changming was not angry with Political Commissar Xiao at all. Instead, he felt extremely guilty. "I'm sorry, Political Commissar, I almost got you into trouble."
Political Commissar Xiao curled his lips, "It's fine if I get screwed over, but I'm afraid Commander Qi will lose his temper and deal with all of us."
Then he changed the subject, "Xiao Qi, I don't understand. Since it was an arranged marriage by your fathers, you should just marry him for the sake of your future. Otherwise, you won't have any future in the garrison."
Everyone knows this principle, so why doesn't Qi Changming understand it?
Qi Changming's smile was bitter. "Political Commissar, you don't know my childhood betrothed. She's from the countryside, fat, and uncivilized."
Thinking of this, he felt like crying. "Do you know Company Commander Li's wife? She's not even as good as Company Commander Li's wife."
Company Commander Li's wife also came from the countryside. She was short and stocky, and spoke with a strong rural accent. When she first came to the family compound, she caused quite a few laughs.
Upon hearing this, Political Commissar Xiao couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Isn't it a bit much? Company Commander Li's wife is over forty, which is understandable, but your childhood sweetheart is at most only twenty years old, right?"
"How could such a young woman be as terrifying as you describe?"
Seeing that he didn't believe her, Qi Changming hurriedly explained, "Her father is a pig butcher, and she has a lot of strength. When she was eight years old, she could pin me to the ground and beat me up."
Political Commissar Xiao looked him up and down. "You're not short either."
Although Qi Changming didn't have the heroic appearance of Commander Qi, he was thin and weak, with fair skin, but he was still 1.78 meters tall, not short at all.
Qi Changming blushed with embarrassment. "She's not short, but she can hold down a 200-pound pig so it can't move. One stab and the pig is dead."
Political Commissar Xiao, “…”
"She was indeed a strong woman."
It's really not suitable to pair him with someone as quiet and scholarly as Qi Changming.
Qi Changming looked bitter, but Political Commissar Xiao couldn't help him. He thought for a moment and said, "I'll keep your report for you for now."
"Let's talk about it when Commander Qi returns."
That's all we can do.
Qi Changming left the office somewhat disappointed. As soon as he came out, Ye Yingtao, who was waiting for him at the door, quickly walked over. "How was it, Company Commander Qi?"
Ye Yingtao was wearing the cultural troupe's uniform. She had a round face and wore two braids, making her look very quiet and pretty.
Qi Changming glanced at Ye Yingtao and shook his head. "It's not a viable route."
"The political commissar won't approve it."
Ye Yingtao breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. She comforted him, "The political commissar must have seen your promising future and felt it was such a pity that you were retiring from the army and changing careers like this."
Qi Changming looked up at her. Ye Yingtao felt her face flush under his gaze. "Company Commander Qi, are you really going to retire from the army?"
Qi Changming murmured, "But if I don't retire from the military and change careers, there's no other way."
"My childhood sweetheart is coming to live with me."
According to his father, the other party also brought the tokens that signified their childhood betrothal. If he doesn't honor the engagement once Meng Yingying arrives, his future in the military unit will essentially be over.
Losing credibility and reputation is unacceptable, even if you're stationed in a team.
Ye Yingtao tentatively asked, "Then why don't you get married first?"
"If you get married, your partner definitely won't be able to come to you anymore."
Qi Changming was taken aback. He looked at Ye Yingtao. To be honest, Ye Yingtao was quite pretty, with a round face, big eyes, and two braids hanging in front of her chest. She was very delicate and quiet.
In addition, because she is a dancer, she has a slender figure.
Qi Changming understood what she meant.
He lowered his eyes and remained silent.
He once said that he did not want to marry Meng Yingying, nor did he want to marry Ye Yingtao.
Ye Yingtao waited for a long time but didn't get a reply from Qi Changming. She was a little disappointed, but she encouraged herself.
"It's okay," she said, feigning generosity. "Even if we don't get married, I can still help you."
"You can announce to the public that we're dating. That way, when your childhood sweetheart comes along, there won't be anything he can do."
Qi Changming was very tempted, but he felt that doing so would be unfair to Ye Yingtao.
"Once this news gets out, it will be difficult for you to find a partner in the future."
Ye Yingtao thought to herself, "I just want to be tied to you."
Why would I even be dating?
Aren't you one?
If the news of their relationship were actually released, it would be false, but in the end, it would become true.
Thinking of this, Ye Yingtao smiled and said, "It's okay, as long as I can help you."
"Company Commander Qi, you are such a good person, you deserve someone better."
One sentence made Qi Changming feel as if he had found a kindred spirit.
"Comrade Ye, thank you. Please let me think about it."
Ye Yingtao murmured "Yes," and smiled, "But you'd better hurry."
"I heard that Commander Qi is coming back."
"You need to make a decision before Commander Qi returns, or it will be too late."
Qi Changming nodded and said goodbye to Ye Yingtao.
Ye Yingtao smiled as she watched him leave, standing there for a long while.
Qi Changming went to the call center to make a call, but before he could finish the call, he received news that Qi Donghan had returned from Xiangxi and was about to call him over.
With this in mind, Qi Changming took a deep breath, mustered his spirits, and went to his office.
Qi Donghan must have just returned from the station. He was still wearing his sweaty shirt, which clung damply to his body. He casually tugged at his collar and said, "Come in."
Qi Changming stood at the door, his heart pounding. It took him a while to clutch his chest and try to calm himself down.
After he came in, he called out somewhat nervously, "Boss."
With his sharp eyes, he immediately spotted the discharge report on Qi Donghan's desk.
Qi Changming suddenly felt uneasy, as this discharge report should have been on Political Commissar Xiao's desk.
Qi Donghan ignored him and instead held the discharge report, looking at it again and again, "Are you sure you want to be discharged?"
Qi Changming remained silent.
"Qi Changming".
"You took advantage of my absence to get your discharge report printed, so you could act first and ask for permission later, right?"
As soon as Qi Donghan finished speaking, Qi Changming lowered his head guiltily. "Boss, I have no choice. I need to leave the army and escape Meng Yingying. Only in this way can I avoid this marriage."
"You are not me, you don't know my suffering."
Meng Yingying is so unreasonable. As long as he is still stationed at the garrison, she can cause chaos and turmoil.
Even if he doesn't break off the engagement, he has no future in the military.
"I don't want to spend my whole life with someone like Meng Yingying, living a life that's all there is to me."
Company Commander Li's present is his future.
He didn't want to go home every day after work to face such a burly, uncouth woman.
Qi Donghan looked up, his stern jawline now carrying a hint of cold indifference. "So, you'd rather retire from the military than break off the engagement?"
"Have you made a decision?"
"yes."
Qi Donghan stood up and slowly walked to Qi Changming, each step he took was very steady. "Qi Changming, once a decision is made, there is no room for regret."
"Once you're discharged, you'll never be able to return to your post."
Upon hearing this, Qi Changming's face instantly contorted with struggle. After a long pause, he said, "Boss, I have no choice. I don't want to leave the garrison either, but I don't want to spend my life with that childhood sweetheart."
"No regrets?"
No regrets.
Upon hearing this, Qi Donghan walked to his desk, picked up a fountain pen, and wildly wrote the word "approved" on Qi Donghan's discharge report.
After finishing writing, he handed his discharge report to Qi Changming.
"Congratulations on your discharge from the military."
Qi Changming's face turned pale instantly. He should have been happy to be discharged from the army and gain his freedom.
After all, he could leave the garrison and escape Meng Yingying.
However, when Qi Donghan congratulated him, Qi Changming felt no joy, but rather a sense of loss.
He likes being stationed with the team.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone against my parents' wishes and come to work with the team.
Qi Changming felt a sense of loss. "Boss."
"sorry."
He felt extremely guilty when he said those words.
Qi Donghan shook his head, "You haven't wronged me, you've only wronged yourself for the past five years of dedication you've made to the team."
Clearly, Qi Changming deserves a better future.
He was young and had unlimited potential, but he retired from the military to escape his childhood betrothed.
Qi Changming lowered his head and remained silent for a while before finally saying, "I have no other choice."
This is a reason, an excuse.
They all knew it perfectly well.
When are you leaving?
Now that his discharge report had been approved, Qi Donghan wasn't one to drag things out. He immediately asked him about his next steps.
Qi Changming: "I'll leave this afternoon."
The sooner the better.
He was worried that Meng Yingying might appear at the station at any time.
"Boss, if my childhood sweetheart comes, could you greet her for me? Just tell her I've retired from the army."
"Tell her not to come looking for me anymore."
Normally, upon hearing this, one would stop pursuing the matter.
Of course, Qi Changming hoped that Meng Yingying was a normal person.
Qi Donghan ignored him.
"head."
Qi Changming pleaded, "Please."
"When I first came to the garrison, you were the one who helped me enlist."
"I really don't want to face Meng Yingying, my childhood betrothed," he said bluntly. "Seeing her makes me feel physically nauseous."
He even went so far as to ruin his future in order to break off his engagement with Meng Yingying.
Qi Donghan frowned and said, "Qi Changming!"
That's enough.
"You're being too harsh."
Moreover, these harsh words were directed at a childhood sweetheart with whom he was betrothed.
This is certainly not the behavior of a gentleman.
Qi Changming opened his mouth, "Boss, I'm sorry."
"However, if my childhood sweetheart comes looking for me, I'll still need to trouble you."
He's gone.
The head is still there.
Moreover, he had his own selfish motives. Since his boss was so fierce, he hoped that when Meng Yingying saw Qi Donghan, she would be scared away by him and back down.
Qi Donghan grunted in response, then unbuttoned his shirt cuffs, revealing his prominent wrist bones, his expression extremely sharp. "The price."
"What?"
Qi Changming was stunned for a moment.
Qi Donghan frowned. "After being discharged from the military and breaking off the engagement, you expect me to meet the other party with just my words?"
"Qi Changming, do you think this is a good idea?"
Qi Changming's face turned pale. "Boss, let me think about it."
“My mom took all my previous salary. I’ll go back and talk to her about it.”
Qi Donghan tapped the table with his fingers, a rhythmic tapping sound that gave Qi Changming a sense of pressure and embarrassment.
"What do you plan to do if your mother doesn't give you money?"
He asked the crucial question incisively.
Qi Changming subconsciously replied, "No way."
Qi Donghan twitched the corner of his mouth, neither confirming nor denying.
Qi Changming blushed slightly, "Deduct it from my salary."
"A month?"
Qi Changming was the company commander, and his monthly salary was only fifty-three and a half yuan, which was not much.
Qi Changming lowered his head, unable to speak, "I'll go back and try to raise more money."
Qi Donghan hummed in agreement. "This is the last time I'll help you."
Qi Changming said gratefully, "Boss, thank you."
Before leaving the office, he bowed to Qi Donghan, then turned and left.
Qi Donghan watched his retreating figure and rubbed his temples.
After a while.
Political Commissar Xiao came in carrying a large enamel mug. He immediately noticed the word "approved" on the discharge report and was somewhat surprised. "Old Qi, I thought you wouldn't approve his discharge report."
Qi Changming is one of the capable people under Qi Donghan.
Anyone with eyes can see that Qi Donghan is currently the deputy regimental commander, and if he gets promoted, Qi Changming, who is under his command, will also be promoted.
Who told Qi Changming to be Qi Donghan, the one who brought him to the garrison back then?
They can be considered his direct subordinates.
Qi Donghan glanced at his enamel mug, which only contained a few old tea stalks, and then took out a packet of tea from his own drawer and handed it over.
"His mind is made up to leave."
Seeing him hand over a packet of tea, Political Commissar Xiao happily accepted it, saying, "It's so nice here; I can get some good tea here."
Qi Donghan grunted in response, showing little interest.
Commissar Xiao simply stuck a few tea leaves onto the tea bag, tossed it into his enamel mug, and then put the tea bag back in its original place.
He sighed, "What a pity."
"He ruined his future to escape a childhood betrothal."
He didn't understand what Qi Changming was thinking.
Qi Donghan couldn't understand how someone could break a contract, especially with such a self-righteous attitude.
"Let's not talk about him anymore."
His eyes and brows held a hint of indifference, his jawline was taut, exuding both coldness and desire.
"Old Zhou's eye surgery was successful. He should recover in three months at most, at which time he will return to the station."
When Lao Zhou is mentioned, he thinks of the woman who lost her father and was bullied. He wonders how she is doing now.
Upon hearing this, Political Commissar Xiao immediately sat up straighter. "Really?"
"Can Lao Zhou come back?"
You see, Zhou Jingsong lost his sight back then and had to leave the team to return to his hometown to recuperate. In fact, they all knew that Old Zhou most likely wouldn't be coming back.
But no one expected that Qi Donghan would bring about such a result.
"If he comes back, then it's not impossible for Qi Changming to leave."
"At least you have a helper on your side."
After Political Commissar Xiao finished speaking, Qi Donghan glanced at him and then stood up. "The two of them have different strengths. Old Zhou used to be in the reconnaissance company. He is an expert in both sniping and reconnaissance."
"As for Qi Changming, he is one of the few people under my command who is educated, has beautiful handwriting, and is also good at document processing."
At this point, Qi Donghan realized that Qi Changming had already retired from the army, so there seemed to be no need to say this now.
He said calmly, "Forget it, the camp remains, but the soldiers come and go."
"Now that he's gone, I'm training someone in this field."
Commissar Xiao grunted in agreement, and seeing him leave to find Division Commander Chen, he strolled over with an enamel mug in his hand.
"Have you thought about what you would do if Xiao Qi's childhood sweetheart came looking for him?"
Qi Changming left, but he left behind a mess.
Qi Donghan paused, but without turning his head, he said, "I'm going to see her."
Upon hearing this, Political Commissar Xiao cursed, "Qi Changming is a real scoundrel. He caused all this trouble, and now you're cleaning up his mess."
"It's good that he's gone. What if his childhood sweetheart is really as unreasonable and domineering as he said? He might cause a huge uproar for our team."
Qi Donghan pursed his lips and remained silent, while the person behind him seemed to be saying something inappropriate.
On the way there, Political Commissar Xiao was still muttering to himself.
Qi Donghan suddenly said, "Even if she makes a scene, it's understandable."
"What?"
Political Commissar Xiao didn't quite catch what he said.
Qi Donghan said calmly, "Qi Changming was the one who broke the contract. Shouldn't his childhood sweetheart make a scene?"
this--
Upon hearing this, Political Commissar Xiao murmured, "This is indeed Qi Changming's problem!"
As Qi Donghan left, Political Commissar Xiao chased after him.
Upon arriving at the office, Qi Donghan reported Zhou Jingsong's situation to his superiors.
Commander Chen was somewhat pleased. "You mean Xiao Zhou can return normally without affecting his future work?"
"yes."
"That's indeed a good result. Xiao Zhou is a good soldier, and he shouldn't have been overlooked like this."
"By the way, did you use the medicine I asked you to apply for for Xiao Zhou?"
Qi Donghan paused slightly, lowered his eyes, and said calmly, "No."
Seeing Commander Chen's confusion, Qi Donghan explained, "Pethidine is a controlled substance and also contains addictive ingredients. Old Zhou was worried about the long-term effects on his health, so he did not use it."
However, the fact that the medicine was given away was omitted.
"Xiao Zhou is amazing, he's a real man."
Commander Chen remarked with emotion, "Once he has recovered, tell him that everyone in our unit is waiting for his return."
Qi Donghan nodded.
Commander Chen then asked about another matter, "How did you resolve Xiao Qi's matter?"
The reason why they were in such a hurry to call Qi Donghan back was because Qi Changming's discharge report had been delayed for several days and was now urgent.
"Approved."
Qi Donghan remained calm. "Since he'd rather retire from the military than break off the engagement, then I'll grant his wish."
Commander Chen, "What if you don't have enough manpower on your side?"
He knew that Qi Changming was a valuable asset to him, but now that right-hand man was gone.
"We're training one more."
Qi Donghan said, "The camp remains but the soldiers come and go. This garrison doesn't need Qi Changming."
Commander Chen hadn't expected him to say such a thing, but upon reflection, he realized that this was exactly in line with Qi Donghan's character.
"Then you should make the follow-up arrangements."
"If Qi Changming's childhood sweetheart comes, remember to appease him in time."
Qi Donghan pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know."
On the other side.
After receiving his discharge report, Qi Changming returned to his dormitory to pack his things. As soon as he started packing, his comrades, who had been resting, all looked up at him.
"Changming, are you really leaving?"
The news of Qi Changming submitting his discharge report to escape his childhood betrothal has been making headlines these past few days, but everyone thinks it's just an excuse for Qi Changming to retreat in order to advance.
Surely we don't really have to give up such a bright future?
Qi Changming hummed in agreement, packed his clothes, and put them into the wicker trunk. "I've already submitted my discharge report, so naturally I'm leaving."
As soon as he said that, the dormitory fell silent.
With his short hair and oval face, Gao Chunyang couldn't help but ask, "Just how ugly is your childhood sweetheart? Is it really worth making you do this?"
"Besides, if we just turn off the lights, won't it all be the same?"
Qi Changming sneered, "Can they be the same? The butcher's daughter is as strong as a wall. Even if the lights are off, she could still sit on someone and kill them."
Gao Chunyang immediately fell silent.
The others were not much different.
After packing his things, Qi Changming turned around and said goodbye, "Goodbye, Gao Chunyang, Chen Shuisheng, Liu Mang."
All three of them felt somewhat saddened by Qi Changming's farewell.
Qi Changming was quite open-minded. "Although I've retired from the army, my family is still in Heilongjiang Province. You've all been to my home before. If you really miss me, come visit me. I'll treat you to Harbin red sausage then."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
After Qi Changming left, Gao Chunyang suddenly said, "It would be good if Changming's childhood sweetheart didn't come looking for him."
That way he won't have to leave the military.
As soon as he said that, the dormitory fell silent.
"That's not how it's said. Changming retired voluntarily, didn't he?"
"And I don't understand," Liu Mang scratched his head, "it's clearly a good thing for him to get married, why won't Changming agree?"
Gao Chunyang scoffed, "All he ever talks about is 'wife, wife, wife.' Changming is a local, he's different from us, he has high standards."
“Naturally, he wouldn’t be interested in his childhood sweetheart from the countryside.”
Liu Mang muttered to himself, "Isn't that a heartless man?"
As soon as he said that, he naturally got a slap on the head from Gao Chunyang. "That's because they're aiming for higher positions, which is naturally different from you, a peasant."
Liu Mang was unconvinced. "My mother said that one should not break one's promises, and a man should never be a faithless man."
Gao Chunyang and the others exchanged glances. "Alright, what business is it of yours? This is Qi Changming's own affair."
Outside, Qi Changming said he would return his unused personal belongings to his comrades. After hearing Liu Mang's words, he stood at the door for a long time but ultimately didn't dare to go in.
He left looking dejected and disheveled.
He carried his luggage in one hand and muttered to himself, "I'm not a heartless man."
"My marriage to Meng Yingying is feudal dregs!"
His words seemed to be both a way of comforting himself and a message to others.
After mentally preparing himself, Qi Changming pulled his luggage out of the dormitory building, and no one came to see him off along the way.
Because they all knew why Qi Changming had retired from the military.
Everyone felt sorry for him and disappointed in him.
When Qi Changming reached the intersection, he saw Ye Yingtao standing to the side, wearing a green military uniform, with two braids, and a slender figure, seemingly waiting anxiously.
When she saw Qi Changming, her eyes immediately lit up, and her smile widened. "Company Commander Qi."
Qi Changming was actually a little disappointed. No one came to see him off after he was discharged from the army, which made him feel bad.
So when he saw Ye Yingtao waiting for him there, he felt a mixture of complex emotions and joy. "Comrade Ye, what are you doing here?"
Ye Yingtao smiled and said, "I'll be waiting for you."
"Didn't you say you were going to be discharged from the military? I was worried you had too much luggage and wouldn't be able to carry it all, so I came to see you off."
Upon hearing this, Qi Changming felt a warmth in his heart, and his gaze towards Ye Yingtao softened. "Comrade Ye, thank you for remembering me."
Ye Yingtao shook her head, "No, didn't you say we're friends?"
"Since we're friends, I should definitely come and see you off."
Qi Changming felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He thought to himself, "If only Meng Yingying were as considerate as Ye Yingtao."
That way, he can have a proper talk with her.
Unfortunately, Meng Yingying was not one of them.
*
On the train, Meng Yingying quietly watched the scenery rushing past the window until she heard an announcement.
"Welcome, passengers, to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province!"
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Author's Note: I've been working my butt off updating, please give me some nutrient solution and leave comments!
Thank you to reader "Enen'a" for the rockets and grenades! Thank you so much, baby, it was a real treat!
P.S.: The red envelopes for chapters 11-13 have been sent out. They were randomly selected. Leave a comment or donate nutrient solution; you might win one! Let me see where the lucky ones are!
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